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A model for dynamic reconfiguration in service-oriented architectures
No full textThe importance of modelling the dynamic characteristics of the architecture of software systems has long been recognised. However, the nature of the dynamics of service-oriented applications goes beyond what is currently addressed by architecture description languages (ADLs). At the heart of the service-oriented approach is the logical separation between the service need and the need-fulfillment mechanism, i.e., the provision of the service: the binding between the requester and the provider is deferred to run time and established at the instance level, i.e., each time the need for the service arises. As a consequence, computation in the context of service-oriented architectures transforms not only the states of the components that implement applications but also the configurations of those applications. In this paper, we present a model for dynamic reconfiguration that is general enough to support the definition of ADLs that are able to address the full dynamics of service-oriented applications. As an instance of the model, we present a simple service-oriented ADL derived from the modelling language srml that we developed in the Sensoria project. © 2012 Springer-Verlag
Identifying key knowledge needs for evidence-based conservation of wild insect pollinators: a collaborative cross-sectoral exercise
No full text1. In response to evidence of insect pollinator declines, organisations in many sectors, including the food and farming industry, are investing in pollinator conservation. They are keen to ensure that their efforts use the best available science. 2. We convened a group of 32 ‘conservation practitioners’ with an active interest in pollinators and 16 insect pollinator scientists. The conservation practitioners include representatives from UK industry (including retail), environmental non-government organisations and nature conservation agencies. 3. We collaboratively developed a long list of 246 knowledge needs relating to conservation of wild insect pollinators in the UK. We refined and selected the most important knowledge needs, through a three-stage process of voting and scoring, including discussions of each need at a workshop. 4. We present the top 35 knowledge needs as scored by conservation practitioners or scientists. We find general agreement in priorities identified by these two groups. The priority knowledge needs will structure ongoing work to make science accessible to practitioners, and help to guide future science policy and funding. 5. Understanding the economic benefits of crop pollination, basic pollinator ecology and impacts of pesticides on wild pollinators emerge strongly as priorities, as well as a need to monitor floral resources in the landscape
Accountability and performance management systems within private and public sector organisational change processes
No full textThis paper examines organisational change processes that occur when accountability demands from powerful external stakeholders change. It investigates, firstly, whether these external accountability demands impact on the performance management systems of two different types of organisations. Secondly, it considers whether the goals for improved performance contained within the external accountability demands are realised. The paper derives its primary insights from analysing in-depth interviews with managers working in a private sector company and in public sector organisations. The analyses reveal complex organisational responses. In the public sector case study, the organisations tended to reorient their performance management systems towards the external accountability demands; whilst in the private sector organisation, pressures from falling share prices forced managers to focus their decision making on the preferred performance measures contained in shareholders’ accountability demands. However, whilst there is some evidence of performance management system changes, the desires for improved performance subsumed by the external accountability demands are not necessarily realised through the performance management system changes
A model for dynamic reconfiguration in service-oriented architectures
No full textThe importance of modelling the dynamic characteristics of the architecture of software systems has long been recognised. However, the nature of the dynamics of service-oriented applications goes beyond what is currently addressed by architecture description languages (ADLs). At the heart of the service-oriented approach is the logical separation between the service need and the need-fulfillment mechanism, i.e., the provision of the service: the binding between the requester and the provider is deferred to run time and established at the instance level, i.e., each time the need for the service arises. As a consequence, computation in the context of service-oriented architectures transforms not only the states of the components that implement applications but also the configurations of those applications. In this paper, we present a model for dynamic reconfiguration that is general enough to support the definition of ADLs that are able to address the full dynamics of service-oriented applications. As an instance of the model, we present a simple service-oriented ADL derived from the modelling language srml that we developed in the Sensoria project. © 2012 Springer-Verlag
‘Under Our Protection, That of the Church and Their Own’- Papal and Secular Protection of the Families and Properties the Crusaders Left Behind, c.1095-1226.
Get PDF‘Ill-defined and incomprehensible to contemporaries’: these are two of the charges scholarship has levelled at the papal protection privilege for crusaders. Major innovations in this field have been attributed to Innocent III (1198-1216), yet many of these ideas can be identified as having developed much earlier. This thesis will demonstrate the profound originality of the protection initiated by Urban II in 1095, and discuss the role of the protection in recruitment as an added attraction or, at least, as a way for the pope to negate obstacles to taking the cross. Under Eugenius III (1145-53) this privilege took on a new formula that dominated papal missives beyond Innocent III’s pontificate. In essence, crusaders were differentiated from pilgrims, and that protection sharply delineated crusaders’ wives, families and possessions from those of the men-at-arms who did not take the cross.
During the Second Crusade (1145-49), the metaphor of the two swords of government took on a new centrality within the crusading context. This connection between secular and spiritual authority has not received adequate attention from scholars. Protected status is the starting point of the discussion of papal and secular guardianship over the crusaders’ lands and possessions. Crusaders and those remaining in the West were well aware of their status from the outset. This secular experience is determined through detailed discussion of the charters issued by crusade regents. The crusades have been interpreted as ‘windows of opportunity’ for wives otherwise excluded from politics, however demonstrably the women chosen for these roles were, in fact, already experienced in government. This thesis also compares and contrasts the effectiveness of papal and secular measures in protecting the crusader’s interests, and assesses the political impact of the crusaders’ departure on those they left behind. Invasion, rebellion and usurpation could and did occur during the crusaders’ long-term absence, but secular and papal protection might, in unison, combat exploitation by the crusaders’ enemies or other opportunists
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